The Supreme Court Tuesday sought comprehensive reports from all top provincial legal officers on measures taken by concerned departments to implement apex court's June 19 judgement on protection of minorities' rights in the country. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk observed that issues of minorities cannot be overlooked.
Appearing on court's notice, Deputy Attorney General for Pakistan Sohail Mehmood apprised the bench that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has issued directives to all concerned departments to protect the constitutional rights of minorities. Mehmood further stated that federal secretary of Ministry of Religious Affairs has written letters to the federal and provincial departments to ensure a 5 percent quota reserved for minorities.
During proceedings, a representative of the minorities, Dr Ramesh Kumar, accused federal and provincial governments of failing to implement a landmark judgement of the apex court in the instant matter, adding that nobody in government offices is ready to take any step to address minorities' issues.
Citing Speaker National Assembly's statement that minorities are a provincial subject, Dr Kumar said that Constitution of Pakistan guarantees fundamental rights to minorities. Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk asked Dr Kumar to file an application in this regard whereas Justice Gulzar Ahmad observed that the court would proceed in the matter once related information is provided. The hearing of matter was adjourned till December 16.
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